Fast Easy Chicken in Salsa with Zucchini
Transform your weeknight dinners with this flavorful and ultra-simple recipe for Fast Easy Chicken in Salsa with Zucchini! This one-pan dish features tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts simmered in a zesty salsa sauce, complemented by the mild sweetness of fresh zucchini. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a wholesome list of pantry-friendly ingredients, including garlic, cumin, and paprika, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings. The juicy chicken is paired with a vibrant cilantro garnish and a hint of lime, making it a delightful choice for a low-carb dinner or a topping over rice or quinoa. Enjoy this quick and healthy meal that’s bursting with bold, Tex-Mex-inspired flavors!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1.5 cups salsa
- 2 pieces medium zucchini
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 piece lime (optional)
Instructions
Slice the chicken breasts into thin cutlets or cubes for faster cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and ground cumin.
Mince the garlic cloves and set aside. Thinly slice the zucchini into half-moon pieces and keep them ready.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate (it’s okay if the chicken isn’t fully cooked at this point).
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the salsa. Stir to combine.
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the salsa. Cover and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet, spreading them evenly over the chicken and salsa. Cover again and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the zucchini is tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or alongside a salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
232 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.0 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g | 8% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 74 mg | 25% | |
| Sodium | 1187 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.2 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.5 g | ||
| Protein | 29.9 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 66 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 767 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
